More Money Saving Tips!!

Hi, it’s Suzanne again, ready to share more of my money saving tips…..lets talk about produce….Last summer, my family decided to try growing our own vegetables (and strawberries too)!  We used Earth Boxes TM purchased from Matterhorn’s and Van Houten Gardens.  (You can also find them online).  While the initial set up is a little pricey ($55-65 depending on where you shop), it pays for itself immediately–and you will use it for years to come.  Just 2 small cherry tomato plants (started indoors from seeds, to save money of course) wound up yielding thousands of tomatoes in just one summer.  Think about it–one small package costs about $3 in a supermarket, and who knows how fresh that really is?!  If you don’t want to grow your own, please support your local farmer’s markets this coming season–look out for a location near you. This is money well spent!

 

This reminds me of the coming spring/summer season….If you have grass (and don’t have allergies), mow it yourself!  Make time for this and enjoy the outdoors!  It’s good exercise (unless you’re on a rider!) but more importantly, it’ll save you money–about $30-40  per week.  Think of how much you can save in one season.  Invest in some nice perennials, too.  (Or start your own plants from seeds or bulbs).  This can add tons of color and curb appeal to your landscape and saves money spent on annuals every season.   OK, buy some annuals, but don’t go crazy.

 

Switching gears to shopping–let’s not forget that outlet store prices are not always cheaper than the regular store.  Make sure you know your prices and do your research before heading out, especially for clothing.  Many stores have free membership clubs you can join, which gives you access to super discount coupons and special sales, in store and online. Have children?  Try the store memberships for Justice or The Children’s Place.  Can’t find an item in the store when it’s on sale?  Ask for a free shipping coupon and you’ll probably get it!  Also, some stores will order for you and ship merchandise to your house-for free!  But only if you ask!  By the way, I recently bought clothes in the Children’s Place for $3.99 per item plus a 30% off coupon!

 

Search the back and perimeter of stores for super sales.  Take Home Depot, for example.  I purchased a really nice (new in box) fireplace screen w/ glass doors for a fraction of the original custom order price.  How?  I asked if there were any custom orders that were returned or rejected by someone else.  And there were, in the back of the store!  The measurements were a match, and I bought it for about 65% less than the original price.  See you next time, when I’ll share more about everyday saving…Remember, every penny counts and can add up to thousands saved at the end of the year!